Five years after the July 2021 unrest overwhelmed parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, police – reportedly the worst episode of violence the country experienced since the end of apartheid – private security companies and security experts are coordinating their response ahead of planned nationwide anti-illegal immigration demonstrations on 30 June.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it is operationally prepared to police the demonstrations, while private security companies have activated contingency plans to support law enforcement should protests turn violent or disrupt businesses and communities.
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia this week received a detailed operational briefing from SAPS leadership and said he was satisfied with the service’s state of readiness.
“While the constitutional right to peaceful protest will be respected, no acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality will be tolerated,” Cachalia said. He also confirmed that R600 million had been redirected within SAPS to ensure operational readiness ahead of the demonstrations.
Operational monitoring would continue throughout the week, while Cachalia would meet provincial premiers, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and representatives of the private security industry to strengthen coordination ahead of Monday’s demonstrations.
Lessons from 2021
Five years ago, widespread unrest following the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma left 354 people dead and resulted in about 5,500 arrests.
As violence and looting spread across parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, police were supported by private security companies, businesses, taxi owners, neighbourhood groups and community organisations working to protect shopping centres, warehouses, fuel stations and residential areas. After the fires were put out, South Africans stood hand-in-hand to rebuild from the rubble.
Addressing the media after meeting with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority and private security industry leadership, Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane said SAPS was fully prepared and determined that South Africa must never again experience the levels of destruction, fear and instability witnessed during July 2021.
Lots of planning
“Extensive planning has been undertaken at national, provincial and local levels,” she said, adding that communication channels between SAPS, PSIRA, private security companies and other stakeholders had been strengthened.
“Our objective is straightforward. We will protect lawful and peaceful demonstrations as provided for in our Constitution. At the same time, we will act decisively against any individual or group that seeks to engage in criminal conduct,” she said.
Dimpane was unambiguous about what would not be tolerated. “The blocking of roads, intimidation of communities, destruction of property, attacks on businesses, looting, violence and any attempts to undermine public order will not be tolerated.
SAPS is ready, prepared, and clear, she said. “SAPS is prepared and law enforcement will act within the confines of the law to maintain public order and protect lives and property.”
Industry on standby
Dimpane described the private security industry as a critical partner, noting that with hundreds of thousands of officers deployed throughout the country and significant technology and operational resources at its disposal, it served as an important force multiplier for law enforcement.
Through the Eyes and Ears Initiative and a partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa, private security companies continue to support crime prevention and enhance situational awareness, she said.
Private security companies are clear that their role has defined legal limits. Ryan Morris, brand manager at Atlas Security, the Eastern Cape’s largest private security company, said private security officers do not have the authority to intervene during protests or civil unrest.
However, Atlas is participating in SAPS planning meetings and keeping communication channels open, acting as intelligence support rather than operational backup. Morris urged residents to move to safety rather than place themselves in potentially dangerous situations, and to report incidents to SAPS or their security provider.
National centre
Fidelity Services Group has activated its National Joint Operations Centre and is liaising closely with law enforcement, placing helicopters, drones, specialist personnel and armoured personnel carriers on standby.
“Our teams are on standby with comprehensive contingency plans in place to manage any potential incidents arising from the planned protest action,” said CEO Wahl Bartmann.
Intelligence gathered ahead of the demonstrations points to concerns around transport routes, town centres, business districts, municipal offices and foreign-owned businesses, with KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng identified as potential flashpoint provinces.
Fidelity has assessed the immediate threat as localised but warned of possible road blockages, delays in staff movement, temporary business closures, retail disruption and intimidation of foreign-owned businesses.
Shared responsibility
Independent researcher and Institute for Security Studies consultant David Bruce said preventing violence was a shared responsibility, with both police and the leaders of anti-immigration movements obligated to ensure demonstrations did not degenerate into violence.
Bruce called on police to reinforce public messaging around the illegality of carrying weapons during demonstrations, and said the deployment of drones and videographers could help deter violence by increasing the likelihood that offenders would be identified
“We must work together. We must stand together. We must share resources. We must share information. We must support one another in the interest of public safety,” Dimpane said.
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